Resources
Chambers of commerce, free mentoring, licensing, and retail programs for Texas CPG companies. Always confirm current details on each site.
Local chambers of commerce
Join your city's chamber for networking, advocacy and local business programs.
Austin Chamber of Commerce
Small business resources, an entrepreneurship program and events, member directory, councils and advocacy.
Dallas Regional Chamber
Regional chamber with membership, councils, leadership programs, and free one-on-one AI office hours for member businesses.
Fort Worth Chamber
Membership, member directory and groups, a preferred vendor list, business advocacy, and export documents and certificates of origin.
Greater Houston Partnership
Houston's regional business organization: membership networking, an exporting resource library, and economic development support.
Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce
Business membership, a Small Business Council, Leadership San Antonio, advocacy, and a member directory with discounts and marketing opportunities.
San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Small-business membership levels, a small business success center, a Jobs & Bids listing, resources and tutorials, and international trade missions.
Business support and mentoring
GHWCC SBA Women's Business Center (Houston)
SBA-funded Women's Business Center run by the Greater Houston Women's Chamber. Monthly workshops and entrepreneurial trainings, plus resources on financing, procurement and certifications. Open to all small business owners. Serves the Greater Houston region. Use New Client Sign-Up on its site.
North Texas SBDC (Dallas and Fort Worth)
Business advising, pre-business workshops, training and seminars, and veteran resources for North Texas. Hosted by Dallas College. Use its county search to find the nearest center, including Fort Worth. Ask about advising costs.
SBA Women's Business Centers (find yours)
SBA's network of centers that help women start and grow businesses with free to low-cost counseling and training. Use its local assistance tool to find a center by ZIP code.
SBA: Find your nearest SBDC
SBA's overview of Small Business Development Centers, which offer counseling and training for existing small businesses and pre-venture entrepreneurs, plus a locator for any city.
SCORE San Antonio (SCORE Central Texas)
Free, confidential business mentoring by video, phone, email or in person. Covers the San Antonio region and surrounding counties.
Texas State SBDC (Austin)
No-cost, confidential advising on business planning, financing, marketing and sales, cash flow and government contracting, plus workshops. Part of the Texas South-West SBDC Network. Advisors reach out within 7 business days of your request.
UTSA Small Business Development Center (San Antonio SBDC)
Confidential one-on-one business advising at no charge, plus training workshops and a referral network. Request an advisor on its site. Book ahead, since walk-ins are not guaranteed.
University of Houston Texas Gulf Coast SBDC
Business advising and training across 32 Southeast Texas counties, with specialists in international trade and government contracting, and free webinars. Ask a location about advising costs.
Food safety and licensing
FDA Food Facility Registration
Federal registration for facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold food for U.S. consumption. Registration must be renewed every two years.
Texas DSHS: Food Manufacturer License
State rules and the application for companies that manufacture food for sale to the public, including those that private-label. Check requirements before you sell.